Notice of Intent To Sole-Source Rescue 21 Coastal Follow-On

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), United States Coast Guard (USCG) Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, and Intelligence (C5ISC) intends to award on a sole-source basis, a contract to General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc. (GDMS), 8201 E McDowell Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85257 USA for a five-year ordering period.

The USCG intends to procure continued operations, maintenance, and sustainment engineering services for the R21-C system. The R21-C system is the USCG’s advanced command, control, and direction finding (DF) communication system serving 32 USCG sectors in the continental U.S. and territories. The R21-C system provides search and rescue (SAR) capabilities with specific coverage and operational availability requirements. Any interruptions in system functionality would severely impact the USCG’s ability to carry out its fundamental mission of saving the lives of mariners in distress. The acquisition will provide for all management, engineering services, personnel, labor, materials, and equipment to support and maintain the R21-C system, subsystems, and equipment. This requirement includes the sustainment of existing Information Technology (IT) resources. As currently configured, General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc., is the only contractor that can maintain the R21-C system as they possess the proprietary data rights and methods necessary to ensure the latest design configuration, manufacturing, and quality control for producing parts that meet the USCG's latest requirements and specifications. Due to GDMS’s exclusive access to proprietary data required for R21-C system maintenance, combined with the prohibitive cost and timeline of developing a replacement system, GDMS is the only viable source to ensure continued operational capability in the interim, as confirmed by market research and independent analysis.

All responsible sources may submit a capability statement, proposal, or quotation, which shall be considered by the agency by August 15, 2025, 5:00 P.M., Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) to Melody.V.Blake-Thompson@uscg.mil and Ted.Araya@uscg.mil. Any response to this notice must show clear and convincing evidence that competition for this requirement would be advantageous to the Government. If no affirmative written response is received, it is anticipated that award will be made without further notice. The written response must include a general statement for services mentioned in this announcement and past performance information for similar work. In addition, interested contractors must provide proof that they possess the capability to perform services on General Dynamics Mission Systems proprietary systems/equipment. A determination by the Government to compete this proposed contract based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive requirement. Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice.

THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR QUOTES/PROPOSALS AND A SOLICITATION WILL NOT BE ISSUED.